TriMet considering closing four downtown MAX stations

TriMet is seeking public comment on closing four downtown MAX stations to reduce travel times in the urban center by about two minutes.

The regional transit agency describes the stations as "low-ridership" and "closely spaced," saying the nearest stations are less than one-quarter mile away.

The stations would not be closed until Sept. 1, 2019. Those being considered for closure include:

• Kings Hill/SW Salmon St Station

• Mall/SW 4th Ave Station

• Mall/SW 5th Ave Station

• Skidmore Fountain Station

"As we looked to speed up trains through Downtown Portland, we considered distance to nearby stations, ridership and the flow of the trains. We believe these four stations are the right ones to close to reduce travel time while maintaining the transit service people value and count on every day," TriMet said in a Wednesday press release.

According to TriMet, the Kings Hill Station is a block or two from the nearby Providence Park Station and four blocks from the Goose Hollow/SW Jefferson St Station. The Mall/SW 4th Ave Station is about a block from the Pioneer Square South Station and about two-and-a-half blocks from the Yamhill District Station. The Mall/SW 5th Ave Station is also just a block from the Pioneer Square North Station, and it is two blocks from the Morrison/SW 3rd Ave Station. And the Skidmore Fountain Station is two blocks from the Old Town/Chinatown Station and four blocks from the Oak/SW 1st Ave Station.

TriMet already closes the Kings Hill/SW Salmon St Station for Portland Timbers and Thorns games due to safety because of the large number of fans and the tightness of the station.

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